“Coppabella Yard is a key component to the successful operation of the system as it is the main scheduling point for coal trains from the north and western branches to their destinations,” he said.

“This upgrade provides increased train scheduling flexibility which will mean increased tonnage throughput as well as reduced transit times and train cycle times.”

The project involved remodelling the existing yard, extending the track and overhead wiring to provide five 2km long tracks and upgrading the track structure.

In addition, the project required the re-signalling of the yard to include the new tracks and the installation of flashing lights and boom gates on the Wanella/Spring Creek Road.

“The system’s new operating mode required a redevelopment of the yard to increase the number of signalled full-length train roads from three to five to increase the capacity to handle the targeted tonnage levels,” said Mickel.

Queensland has the largest coal industry in Australia with the state’s five interconnected rail systems transporting more than 160 million tonnes of coal per year.